B.C. 45, ÆT. 61 word "knead." And yet neither is obscene. The world is full of fools. Testes is quite a respectable word in a court of law: elsewhere not too much so. Again, "Lanuvinian bags" is a decent phrase; not so "bags" of Cliternum.
Again, can the same thing be at one time decent, at another indecent? Suppose a man to break wind—it is an outrage on decency. Presently he will be in a bath naked, and you will have no fault to find. Here's your Stoic decision—"The wise man will call a spade a spade."
What a long commentary on a single word of yours! I am pleased that you have no scruple in saying anything to me. For my own part I maintain and shall maintain Plato's modesty: and accordingly, in my letter to you, I have expressed in veiled language what the Stoics express in the broadest: for they say that breaking wind should be as free as a hiccough. All honour then to the Kalends of March![1] Love me and keep yourself well.
DCXXXII (A XIII, 20)
TO ATTICUS (AT ROME)
Arpinum (2 July)
I have received a letter of consolation from Cæsar, dated
31st of May, at Hispalis.[2] I did not understand the nature
of the bill published for extending the boundaries of the
city: I should much like to know about it.[3] I am glad that
Torquatus is satisfied with what I have done for him, and I
will not cease adding to those services. To the speech for
Ligarius it is not now either possible to add a clause about
